A Uniquely Strong U.S. Contingent (Image Credits: Images.fastcompany.com)
Milano Cortina, Italy – Team USA’s trio of figure skaters, dubbed the Blade Angels, launched their Olympic campaigns in the women’s singles short program with sights set on securing America’s first gold in the event since 2002.
A Uniquely Strong U.S. Contingent
Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski captured the excitement surrounding the group. “I haven’t seen a U.S. women’s team this strong in 20 years,” she told NBC Olympics.
The skaters’ blend of technical prowess and personal charisma has drawn widespread attention. Their friendship stands out amid the high-stakes competition. Celebrities took notice too, with Taylor Swift introducing them in an NBC Olympics video and Madonna urging one member toward victory.
Figure skating remains a viewer favorite at the Winter Games. A Reviews.org survey found that 56% of 1,000 American respondents planned to watch the discipline during Milano Cortina 2026.
Meet Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito
Amber Glenn made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to compete in Olympic women’s figure skating. She holds three U.S. national titles and brings bold energy to the ice.
Alysa Liu enters as the 2025 world champion, showcasing consistency at the elite level. Isabeau Levito earned the 2024 world silver medal, highlighting her rising dominance.
Together, they form a tight-knit unit that has captivated fans beyond their athletic feats. Only the top 24 from Tuesday’s short program advanced to Thursday’s free skate, where medals hang in the balance.
From Early Triumphs to a Gold Drought
Figure skating debuted at the 1908 Summer Olympics before finding its home in the Winter Games starting in 1924. It served as the sole Winter Olympic event for women until 1936.
U.S. women shaped the sport’s golden era from the 1950s onward. Tenley Albright claimed the first American victory in 1956. Carol Heiss followed in 1960, Peggy Fleming in 1968, and Dorothy Hamill in 1976.
The streak continued with Kristi Yamaguchi in 1992, Tara Lipinski in 1998, and Sarah Hughes in 2002. No American woman has topped the podium since, fueling anticipation for this trio.
Key Elements of the Competition
Skaters dazzle with jumps, spins, and artistic expression in both the short program and free skate. Precision and difficulty separate contenders.
Results and schedules appear on the official Olympics site. The short program demands a two-minute routine packed with required elements.
- Triple axel or lutz combinations often decide rankings.
- Artistic components score creativity and flow.
- Top performers build momentum into the longer free skate.
- Team support amplifies individual pressure.
- Blade Angels prioritize execution under global scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- The Blade Angels represent America’s deepest women’s skating talent in decades.
- Alysa Liu’s world title positions her as a frontrunner.
- Ending the 24-year gold wait hinges on short program results.
The Blade Angels embody resilience and unity on a storied stage, where precision meets passion. Their performances could redefine U.S. figure skating’s next chapter. What are your predictions for the podium? Share in the comments.
